Look, I am standing at the door, knocking.

Rev. 3:1-6.14-22, Lk. 19:1-10. The encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus in today's Gospel is exclusive to the Gospel of Luke and it is the last encounter of Jesus with the 'outcasts' before He entered Jerusalem. The desire of Zacchaeus to see Jesus is a genuine one that made him to go against the customs and practices of his time. In order to have a glimpse of Jesus, Zacchaeus had to overcome the obstacles created by his status as senior tax collectors and a wealthy man, his stature and the crowd. His perseverance is rewarded by his meeting Jesus and a privilege to dine with Jesus in his own home.

Jesus visit to his house evokes internal and external transformation in him. He realises that clinging on to his wealth would mean losing Jesus and salvation. Responding immediately to grace, Zacchaeus decides to choose Christ over his wealth and voluntarily makes restitution for everything he collected unjustly. The life of Zacchaeus challenges us to make restitution and amendment for everything that creates obstacle for reaching the Lord. Salvation is a free-gift given by God, but it also calls for acceptance and renewal from us. Let us open the door of our heart to Jesus and allow Him take charge of our life. In today's first reading He says: "Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share his meal, side by side with him".

May the Lord grant us ardent desire to see Jesus and be transformed by Him! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!